Competition

a.  For purchases or contracts which total more than five thousand
     dollars ($5,000.00), whenever and to the greatest extent
     practical, three competitive proposals for the acquisition of
     goods and services shall be requested. This may be done by
     telephone solicitation or written request for proposal.

b.  When federal funds are involved, transactions must be
     documented and the documentation must be retained as noted
     in Paragraph 9 of this policy.

c.  Price, quality, service, and delivery shall be evaluated when
     comparing proposals.  Proposals shall be on like items with brand
     names and/or accurate specifications describing the material to
     be acquired.  Specifications shall not be unduly restrictive and
     limit competition.  Substitute items of like quality or
     specification may be accepted, if in the sole judgment of the
     department expending the funds, the substitute meets the
     specified requirement.

d.  When a purchase order or contract involves the expenditure of
     federal funds, vendors/contractors that develop or draft
     specifications, requirements, statements of work, etc. shall be
     excluded from competing for such procurement.

e.  The State of Maryland initiates blanket purchase orders for
     frequently used commodities; the College has the right to utilize
     these agreements satisfying its needs for goods and services. 
     Other buying agreements available to the College include the
     Educational and Institutional Cooperative and the National
     Catholic Buyers Association.  The use of these resources and
     the State of Maryland blanket orders shall automatically be
     considered aa competitive award.  Copies of these contracts
     can be obtained from the Director of Logistics and Support
     Services.

f.  Commodity managers for certain specialized or high volume items
     such as computer equipment, furniture and office supplies may
     have negotiated purchasing agreements for these commodities.
     Such negotiated agreements will have been awarded through a
     competitive process.

g.  Positive efforts shall be made to utilize small businesses,
     minority-owned firms, and womens business enterprises
     whenever possible.

h.  Awards shall be made only to responsible vendors who possess
     the ability to perform successfully under the terms and
     conditions of the award.

i.   All competitive quotations are to be given equal consideration
     and each transaction is to be regarded on its own merit.

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